Chantix is a prescribed drug that simply seems destined for recurring media headlines, controversy and conflicting opinions. The anti-smoking medication, made by Pfizer, has seldom been out of the news since it was first approved by the FDA in 2006.

Chantix is noted both for its immense popularity -- almost 22 million prescriptions have been written for it -- and for questions related to its long-term safety. A number of dangerous side effects have been reported among its users, including cardiovascular problems, vision difficulties, violent mood swings, psychological disturbances and attempted and actual suicides.

We have kept our readers well informed of news relating to Chantix (see our May 16 blog post and May 31 update), and now report further developments concerning the drug.

Notably, some scientists are now asking the FDA to require Pfizer to place a more pronounced and dire warning label on its product than the "black box" warning that currently exists. One recent study concludes that Chantix is potentially much more dangerous for users than any of its other competitors.

"Among all the treatments we have for smoking cessation, Chantix is the worst," says Dr. Curt Furberg, one of the authors of the study, which examined more than 3,000 reports of suicidal behavior and depression in Chantix users.

The FDA has thus far refrained from issuing any further orders concerning the label for Chantix, with a spokesperson for the agency recently stating that the drug is a safe and effective anti-smoking medication.

At the FDA's request, Pfizer is conducting a clinical trial examining potential links between Chantix use and psychological side effects, but study findings are not expected until 2017.

Source: ABC News, "Chantix dangers need government attention, study says" Nov. 3, 2011